Ohio State University, The

In 2002 The Ohio State University hired B&D to perform a feasibility study and detailed programming for the Ohio Union, which was the first student union, built at a state university, and was considered to be the model for student unions nationwide. It was a hub for campus life and community activities and could serve as a link between the university community and the greater Columbus community. Its physical structure needed to be analyzed to determine if it needed renovation or complete replacement. Our feasibility study explored both options and included: a market analysis; student focus groups and surveys; a demand-based programming of activities; a financial analysis; and an outline program for architectural requirements. We determined that the size, configuration, and services of the present union fell short of the users’ needs and there were no other indoor student life facilities on campus. Thus, we recommended replacing the old union and in 2010, the new 318,000 SF, $118 million Ohio Union opened, earning LEED Silver certification that same year.